Research Around the World

I feel like a little bird that was let free to fly into a new world!  I am enthralled by the Early Childhood Australian webpage http:///www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

I chose this link, because in the description offered, it stated that it was “equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC,” and being such a NAEYC supporter, I valued the connection (besides which I would like to visit Australia one day to see the kangaroos rooming freely).  This is my NEW favorite web page; the amount of information available is mind-boggling. 

I have come to the conclusion that the current early childhood international topics in Australia are quite similar to those in America.  I printed quite a few articles, and I read all of them on my way to Georgia this past week.  I have sent e-mails to various individuals in Australia in hopes that we can build an international contact together.  I have requested brochures and signed up to receive their monthly newsletter and news journal, “Lessons in Learning.”  I am not quite certain if “Lessons in Learning” is actually published through the Australia Early Childhood Association, because it references a company located in Quebec called The Early Childhood Learning Knowledge Centre.  In addition, the intro begins “In Canada…”  So, I’m not quite sure of the connection to Australia, but none-the-less, it is a wonderful publication.  This particular issue talks about “Why is High-Quality Care Essential: The link between quality child care and early learning,” which is certainly a topic that we have discussed and have extreme relevance in our society.  In a study called “You Bet I Care,” it was reported that “about a third of the centers and a third of the homes studied provided the children with the types of experiences that research shows supports children’s social language and cognitive development.”  From what I read, this study was based in Canada, and I plan to research the specifics.  I am interested!  I have not had the opportunity to look into this web page, but based on “Lessons in Learning,” I believe, without a doubt, that this, also, will be a great reference.  Through Australia, I have been linked to Canada, interesting indeed!

The Australian web page has links for numerous research articles.  I was surprised, and impressed, by the wealth of information located within one page.  It is almost as if you can find an article on just about any early childhood topic on this one page, if you follow a related link.  I was impressed!  I pulled up several research articles related to my research stimulation topic of “play”  (there were LOTS to choose from).  While most of the information was familiar, I understand that explaining the value of play is an issue in Australia, as well.  I appreciated the comment “is it impossible to disentangle children’s play, learning and development.”  Each article about play supports its use as best practice. 

As I said, I have read and read articles found on this web page, and I could go on and on and on… I do want to comment on one other article, a Timeout position paper, which I found very interesting.  I am a huge supporter of NO timeout, and I discuss my reasons for this philosophy during my workshops.  The information shared within this paper support my ideas, in addition to offering additional ideas.  The comment “developmentally, children less than three years cannot be expected to easily regulate their emotions… They need the presence of a caregiver to assist them with the process, rather than being separated from the caregiver.”  These young children are developmentally unable to remember the connection between their behavior and the teacher’s response, especially if he/she spends time in time-out prior to discussing what occurred.  No wonder when we ask children after sitting in time-out, “OK, tell me what happened… why did I put you in time-out?”  As a young child, looks at you with his big eyes and says “I don’t know,” perhaps they really do not know… they don’t remember!

I really have enjoyed looking through this web site!  I have included it in MY FAVORITES, and I know that I will use for research and for workshops… I hope to get involved with the Australian version of NAEYC… I would LOVE to write an article for their web page!!!!  I’m ready to get involved!